DEVICES FOR DELIVERING IMPLANTS

摘要

This invention generally relates to devices and methods that allow an operator to deliver a suture and an implant coupled to the suture into the body of a patient without the need for direct-vision of the operator. In one aspect, a medical device includes a receiving arm that releasably holds an implant or suture in place for capture and a clamping arm that includes a needle deployment mechanism for advancing a needle directly to the implant for capture and for retracting the needle with the implant attached to deliver the implant into the desired location. The receiving arm includes a cavity with inner walls that are angled to direct the needle through the opening after the advancing needle pierces and goes through tissue of the patient. The angled walls facilitate movement of the needle into a position within the cavity where the implant gets engaged with the needle.